Bahrain opposition leader to go on trial on Jan 28

MANAMA, Jan 19 (Reuters) - A Bahraini opposition leader will
go on trial this month on charges of promoting violent regime
change, the public prosecution and his lawyer said on Monday, in
a move that could further inflame tensions in the Western-allied
kingdom.

Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Shi'ite Muslim al-Wefaq
Islamic Society, was arrested on Dec. 28 after leading a protest
rally against elections that were held in November and which his
party boycotted.

"Hearing has been set on 28/1/2015 before the high criminal
court," Bahrain's public prosecution posted on its Twitter
account. "Criminal prosecution for a political association ...
on charges of promoting the overthrow and change of the
political regime by force and threats," it added with reference
to Sheikh Salman's charges.

Defence lawyer Abdallah al-Shamlawi said in a Twitter
message that Salman was facing four charges including promoting
regime change by force.

Washington, a close ally of Bahrain which bases its Fifth
Fleet there, has expressed deep concern over Salman's detention
and his arrest has sparked protests at home.

The last demonstration was on Friday when around 150
protesters clashed with security forces in Manama. At least two
people were wounded by tear gas canisters, and Al-Wefaq sent
journalists photographs of men wounded by bird shot.

The island kingdom has been gripped by tension since a 2011
uprising by majority Shi'ite Muslims demanding reforms and a
bigger role in running the Sunni-led country.

Authorities quelled that revolt with support from other
member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council but sporadic
unrest has continued. Demonstrations have increasingly given way
to bomb attacks on the security forces. At least two people were
killed in two separate attacks last month.
(Reporting by Farishta Saeed; Writing by Amena Bakr; editing by
Sami Aboudi and Dominic Evans)